Updated for 2024
Has the cooling down of the temperature started you thinking about the holidays? It has for us, so we have put together an updated list of holiday happenings in Hudson Valley, NY. The list of traditional and unique events keeps growing every year. Come and return to see your favorites, and try something new, as well.
So what is your favorite way to begin the season? Is it with a drive or stroll through twinkling light displays or a ride on a Christmas-decorated train? Get out your calendar, and plan a holiday getaway with an amazing small-town feel.
Light Up a Smile with Twinkling Lights
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts: Peace, Love, and Lights
🗓 Nov 29 – Dec 29, 2024 | 5-10pm (last entry 9pm)
We love visiting the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts for concerts and performances, but the drive-through light experience is something special! While at the Center, take the time to visit the Holiday Hub, where you can sip a hot beverage by the fire and get a DIY s’mores kit or comfort food. Their schedule lists some special events, including a Holiday Market, a Gingerbread Build ‘n Sip Night, Ice Carving, and dinner with Santa.
Dutchess County Fairgrounds: The Wonderland of Lights
🗓 Nov 25 – Dec 25 (check schedule for closures)
With millions of lights, the Wonderland of Lights expands and grows more elaborate yearly. Purchase your tickets now for a magical night filled with dazzling lights and displays. This is an event for the entire family.
Get in the Spirit with Crafts and Rides
Kingston, NY: Catskill Mountain Railroad
🗓 Nov 15 – Dec 29
Relive the classic Polar Express Train Ride in a vintage 1950s coach. Take a ride to the North Pole and join the elves in caroling and stories. You will have your golden ticket punched; then, you can sip on hot chocolate and bite into delicious Christmas cookies. It’s an amazing new tradition to celebrate the holiday season.
Hudson Valley Hullaballoo
🗓 Nov 23 from 10am – 5pm
🗓 Nov 24 from 10am – 4pm
The holiday season begins with Hudson Valley Hullaballoo, a two-day craft extravaganza in Kingston NY. Come and get your shopping started and finished with local artists, craftspeople, and designers. Don’t worry, there will be food and live music!
Wreath Fineries at the Wineries
🗓 Nov 23 & 24 | 11am – 5pm
🗓 Dec 7 & 8 | 11am – 5pm
🗓 Dec 14 & 15 | 11am – 5pm
For three weekends, tour our local wineries for the return of a holiday experience. Start with a grapevine wreath, and add a new ornament at every winery you visit, along with a sample of their best holiday wines.
Holiday Favorites on Stage
West Point Holiday Show
🗓 Dec 7 & 8 | 2pm
Ring in the holidays at the Eisenhower Hall Theater with the West Point Holiday Show. Sing along with Christmas, Hanukkah, and other holiday favorites you won’t hear anywhere else.
A Christmas Carol told by A Master Storyteller
🗓 Dec 7 & 8
🗓 Dec 14 & 15
🗓 Dec 21 & 22
Three shows a day @ 2:30, 3:45, & 5pm
If you think you have seen every possible version of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, you are wrong! Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk brings ALL of the characters to life, with live musical accompaniment. His version of A Christmas Carol will make you believe you have never before seen this story. Performances are at the Sleepy Hollow Old Dutch Church.
Plan Your Holiday Stay
So, which is your favorite event? There is so much to choose from with our list of holiday happenings in the Hudson Valley. We would be happy to help you plan the perfect getaway, including our favorite dining options, shopping options, and absolute “must-see” options. Call us; we love our corner of New York and want to share it with you!
